World Sleep Day is held annually on the Friday before the spring equinox, initiated by the World Sleep Day Committee of the World Sleep Society since 2008.
Sleep is critically important for students: it is necessary for memory consolidation, assimilation of new knowledge, high concentration, and emotional stability. Lack of sleep (less than 6–7 hours) is directly linked to a decline in academic performance, weakened immunity, and increased anxiety. It is recommended to sleep 7–9 hours for optimal functioning.
An educational event dedicated to World Sleep Day was held at the Department of Normal Physiology. The main idea of the event was to contribute to the prevention of sleep disorders and to draw attention to this issue among staff and students of the medical university.
Second-year students of the Faculty of Foreign Students took part in organising of the seminar. It was conducted in two stages:
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a lecture on the role of sleep and sleep quality, conducted in groups.
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a survey using a questionnaire to assess the risk of insomnia; the results regarding the risk of sleep disorders were summarised and prevention was discussed.
The conclusions drawn from the seminar highlighted the need for preventive work and also showed that further efforts are required to draw students' attention to the problem of sleep disorders. More than 60% of students have sleep disorders. Leaders are the staff of the Department of Normal Physiology and more than 100 students.
Prevention
1. Avoiding the use of electronic devices 1–2 hours before sleep is an important recommendation. The blue light from screens can disrupt melatonin production, which negatively affects sleep quality.
2. Practicing relaxation, meditation, and physical activity can significantly reduce stress levels and improve sleep quality. Regular physical exercise, as shown in several studies, contributes to better sleep and reduced anxiety.
3. Avoiding caffeine and heavy meals before sleep can help improve sleep quality. Eating light, nutrient-rich dinners and consuming calming beverages such as lemon balm or chamomile tea can have a positive effect on sleep.
4. For persistent sleep problems, it is important to consult a specialist to identify possible diseases or conditions requiring medical intervention. Psychotherapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, and medication may be necessary in some cases.
